Snow

[maverick525]

How will a 1998 Ford Explorer 4X4 Eddie Bauer with BF Goodrich KO2 tires handle the snow? Thanks

 

[Mike65]

Our previous 2 Explorer Sports never had any problem in the snow, our current 99 Sport probably will not either but have not run it in the snow yet, hoping we do not have to this winter. I have no experience with the KO2 tires.

 

[Gadget X]

It'll be like driving on dry pavement while everyone around you is on loose marbles! Seriously though, you should have zero problems, so long as you don't drive like an idiot!

 

[drdoom]

You'll feel sorry for the snow. Seriously it's that good.

 

[koda2000]

I have no experience with 4x4 Explorers and snow, but back when I lived in the northeast I had a 2 door S10 4x4 Blazer, with the Uniroyal M/S tires it came with and it was nothing short of amazing in the snow. I see no reason a 4x4 Explorer wouldn't be equally as good. I think the 4 door would be a bit better than the Sport, just because the longer wheelbase tends to be more stable. Just don't get overconfident and drive like an idiot and remember that when driving on ice 4x4 offers not advantage.

 

[2TimingTom]

The KO2s are supposed to be leaps and bounds better than the original KOs.

 

[drdoom]

4x4 ControlTrac with TractionLoc rear axle eats snow.

 

[SoNic67]

Same with the AWD and rear LSD

But the 1998 4x4 though... it might be actually staying in 2WD all the time. It depends of the state of the friction packs inside and how it was driven in the years before.

 

[drdoom]

Yes nic I can imagine AWD is formidable as well.

 

[haas_chris]

I have a 2000 Limited AWD V8. I remember the first time I drove it in the snow I was totally impressed with how well it handled. Since then it continues to impress me and has fortunately never left me stranded or stuck. Of course like others mention just be smart about it.

 

[toypaseo]

One of my co-workers got a set of the BFG KO2 last fall for his mid-90s Chevy truck. He said they are great in the winter. He lives out in the country, mostly paved road to his house, with some dirt road off that. The paved road is less maintained since it is not a main highway. The dirt road is even less maintained.

 

[maverick525]

Thanks for the information everybody. I'm excited to see how well mine will do if it ever snows here.

 

[Robman]

Any tire with a soft rubber compound, moderately aggressive tread and lots of sipes will be good in the winter/ice.

 

[drdoom]

General Grabber AT2s are good to go.

 

[Flash]

BFG KO2s have a square sidewall and a moderately aggressive self cleaning tread.
Just the thing for snow and not very deep mud.

I have no snow experience but I can drive straight off the pavement on to sand with my Ex just using the Auto 4wd and LSD.

I have Dunlop AT1 and AT2, sort of opposite to the KO2s. A better highway/sand tyre.

 

[maverick525]

Same with the AWD and rear LSD

But the 1998 4x4 though... it might be actually staying in 2WD all the time. It depends of the state of the friction packs inside and how it was driven in the years before.

I had a new transfer case motor installed less than a month ago, cause it had trouble shifting from 4WD Low and out of 4WD Low. Mine has 4WD Auto High and then Low. While in 4WD Auto, if my rear spins, I feel the front tires start to spin as well. I think it works right. Hopefully

 

[maverick525]

BFG KO2s have a square sidewall and a moderately aggressive self cleaning tread.
Just the thing for snow and not very deep mud.

I have no snow experience but I can drive straight off the pavement on to sand with my Ex just using the Auto 4wd and LSD.

I have Dunlop AT1 and AT2, sort of opposite to the KO2s. A better highway/sand tyre.

I have never heard of the Dunlops. How long do they normally last?

 

[Flash]

I have never heard of the Dunlops. How long do they normally last?

I've heard of 18,000km on a Nissan Patrol to 75,000km and still going on a Toureg.

You might not get them in the US.

Similar to but better in the wet to a Bridgestone H/T.

 

[maverick525]

I've heard of 18,000km on a Nissan Patrol to 75,000km and still going on a Toureg.

You might not get them in the US.

Similar to but better in the wet to a Bridgestone H/T.

I don't think we carry them. My BF Goodrich is rated about 60,000 miles. They should last long considering how much they were.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

The KO2's are pretty good in the snow, the dig rather then grip right away, but they get traction no matter what. With 4x4 you should have no problems at all.